Handle extension

ABSTRACT

An endcap system for a sporting implement includes a base portion and a transverse extension projecting from the base portion. The base portion has a bottom surface with a central axis normal thereto. A receptacle opposite the bottom surface is configured to receive a portion of the sporting implement. The extension is configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifth metacarpal of the hand and the hand is constrained in both the transverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis.

SUMMARY

The disclosure describes an endcap system for a sporting implement. Theendcap includes a base portion and a transverse extension projectingfrom the base portion. The base portion has a bottom surface with acentral axis normal thereto. A receptacle opposite the bottom surface isconfigured to receive a portion of the sporting implement. The extensionis configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement witha hand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, theextension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of afifth metacarpal of the hand and the hand is constrained in both thetransverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of afirst metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis.

The disclosure also describes a pallet system for a sporting implement.The pallet system includes a prism configured to house and grip a handlecore of the sporting implement and a transverse extension. The prism hasa first end with a center, a distal second end with a center, a centralaxis defined between the center of the first end and the center of thesecond end and an exterior surface defined between first and second endsand surrounding the central axis. The first end is configured to receivean endcap. The extension projects from the exterior surface near thefirst end and is configured such that during swinging of the sportingimplement with a hand of a user gripping around the handle pallet, theextension contacts the hand on an exterior lateral portion and upperportion of a fifth, fourth or third proximal phalanx of the hand and thehand is constrained in both transverse and longitudinal aspects whilebeing allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from thecentral axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating thedisclosure, example constructions are shown in the drawings. However,the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalitiesdisclosed herein. Moreover, those having ordinary skill in the art willunderstand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, likeelements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an example endcap.

FIG. 2 illustrates a right-side view of the example endcap of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the example endcap of FIGS. 1 & 2

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the example endcap of FIGS. 1-3

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the example endcap of FIGS. 1-4 .

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the example endcap of FIGS. 1-5as it may be coupled with an example handle pallet.

FIG. 7 illustrates an isometric view of an example pallet system.

FIG. 8 illustrates a right-side view of the example pallet system ofFIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the example pallet system of FIGS. 7 &8 .

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the example pallet system of FIGS.7-9 .

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the example pallet system of FIGS.7-10 .

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the example pallet system ofFIGS. 7-11 as it may be coupled with an example handle core.

FIG. 13 illustrates example sporting equipment used in association withan example handle extension in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an additional or alternative extension for sportingequipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of thedisclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although thepreferred mode of carrying out disclosed systems, endcaps, pallets andmethods has been described, those of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicingdisclosed systems, endcaps, pallets and methods are also possible.

It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, and the like,herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather areused to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms “a” and“an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denotethe presence of at least one of the referenced item.

Modern swingable sports equipment or implements, such as rackets fortennis, racquetball, squash, badminton, pickleball and paddle as well astable tennis paddles typically include a head or blade portion coupledto a bar handle portion. Performing the swing with a conventional barhandle requires a user grip the handle with a considerable amount ofgripping force to prevent the racket from sliding or twisting.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide an improvement for sportingequipment handles. Embodiments of the disclosure substantiallyeliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art,preventing sliding or twisting of a user's hand on a racket handle.Embodiments of the disclosure may also provide a pivot point forswinging of the sporting equipment vertically.

Embodiments of the disclosure can be applied to many swingable items,including but not limited to rackets for tennis, racquetball, squash,badminton, pickleball and paddle as well as table tennis paddles.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the disclosurewill be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description ofthe illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appendedclaims that follow.

It will be appreciated that described features are susceptible to beingcombined in various combinations without departing from the scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Handle assemblies of modern rackets typically includes an inner shaft, apallet and a grip. In some cases, such as tennis, rackets include athroat portion coupling the handle portion to the blade portion. Thepallet is an outer region which is typically positioned or applied overthe shaft. This type of handle assembly may be terminated by a cap orendcap also commonly referred to as a buttcap.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an example endcap system 100 for a sportingimplement. Endcap 100 includes a base portion and a transverse extension160 projecting from the base portion. The base portion has a bottomsurface 130 with a longitudinal or central axis 101 normal thereto (FIG.5 ). A receptacle 170 or hollow interior opposite bottom surface 130 isconfigured to receive a portion of the sporting implement such as handlepallets. Receptacle 170 may be configured with the same internal shapeas an exterior surface of the portion of the sporting implement to whichit will be applied, may it be a handle pallet or a handle shaft.

Extension 160 is configured such that, during swinging of the sportingimplement with a hand of a user gripping around the handle pallet, theextension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of afifth metacarpal of the hand. Additionally or alternatively, extension160 is contacted by an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of afifth, fourth or third proximal phalanxes of the user's hand (FIG. 13 ).The hand is constrained in both the transverse and longitudinal aspectswhile being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away fromcentral axis 101.

In an example, extension 160 curves towards central axis 101. In anotherexample, extension 160 sweeps through an arc of less than 90 degreestowards the first end. In a further example, extension 160 sweepsthrough an arc of 60 degrees.

In another example, extension 160 includes an inside surface 164 facinggenerally towards central axis 101 and an outside surface 162 oppositethe inside surface. Inside surface 164 faces towards central axis 101 incontrast with facing in the same direction as central axis 101 or awayfrom central axis 101. Outside surface 162 faces generally away fromcentral axis 101 in contrast with facing towards central axis or in thesame direction as central axis 101. Inside surface 164 may be generallysmooth without corners or discontinuities that might cause discomfort tothe hand of a user. Further, inside surface 164 may be concave whileoutside surface 164 is convex. A grip may be wrapped around extension160 to adjust surface texture.

In an example, the center of curvature of extension 160 is directlyabove the connection point of extension 160 to base portion of endcap100. Similarly, a tangent line to extension outside surface 162 andperpendicular or transverse to central axis 101, intersects outsidesurface 162 at the connection point of extension 160 to base portion ofendcap 100 (FIGS. 3 & 4 ).

At least one tab 121 may be provided to receptacle 170 and configured toengage one of a series of notches provided to an exterior surface of thehandle pallet. The base portion may include first 110 and second 150mating shells. A clip 200 may be provided to first and second matingshells 110 and 150 to secure the same together on handle pallet 300 withridges 121 engaged with slots 321. FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded viewof the example endcap of FIGS. 1-5 as it may be coupled with an examplepallet or pallet assembly. With shells 110 and 150 aligned and placedagainst the pallet so as to mate with slots 321 through ridges 121, clip200 may be inserted through a slot in the bottom of the base portionuntil constraining opening 210 is clicked into place around mated halfposts (not visible) of the respective shells 110 and 150.

Endcap 100 may be coupled or attached to a pallet or pallets in any of avariety of alternatives to tabs in receptacle 170 engaging with slots ona pallet or pallets. In another example, endcap 100 and a pallet orpallets may be provided with notches or holes for engaging with separateremovable tabs or pegs. In another example, the base portion (110 and150) may further include, extending from a rim of receptacle 170, one ormore resilient arm members or tabs with abutment surfaces configured toengage one or more slot perforations of the handle pallet. In thisexample, the resilient arms clip the endcap to the handle pallet. Inanother example, the cooperative parts are reversed such that slots areprovided on/in the endcap and arms/tabs are provided to the handlepallet.

In another example, the endcap may be coupled to the handle pallet by abolt inserted through one or more holes through the base portiontransverse to the central axis 101.

Endcap 100 may take any of a variety of forms suitable for use inassociation with a sporting implement. In an example, endcap 100 may beshaped with eight bevels (flats) or elongate, generally planar regions.Eight elongate ridges are formed between the bevels along the length. Inan example, endcap 100 exhibits an octagonal cross-section with a flareat the base. In a further example wherein endcap 100 is used inassociation with a racket, extension 160 is centered on the second,fourth, sixth or eighth bevel with the racket webbing and/or bladealigned with the first and fifth bevels.

In another example wherein endcap 100 is used in association with aracket, extension 160 is rotated from a plane of a racket blade bybetween 50 and 90 degrees around central axis 101. In a further example,extension 160 is rotated from the plane of the racket blade by about 70degrees. In another example, the degree of rotation from the plane ofthe racket blade may be varied by degree of rotation of endcap 100relative to the handle core.

Endcap 100 may be formed from any of a variety of rigid, lightweightmaterials including but not limited to polyurethane and other polymers,nylon and composite materials such as graphite sheets or grafil.

While FIGS. 1-6 reflect a plane of split 190 of endcap halves 110 and150 on the fourth and eighth bevels and being spaced from extension 160by one bevel, endcap halves 110 and 150 may be split along any bevelswith the split being spaced from extension 160 by more or fewer bevels.In a further example, split plane 190 may be between two edges of endcap100. In another example, endcap 100 may be divided into more than twopieces.

FIGS. 7-11 illustrate an isometric view of an example pallet system 400configured for positioning over the shaft of a sporting implement.Pallet system 400 includes a prism configured to house and grip a handlecore, hairpin or shaft of the sporting implement and a transverseextension 460. The prism has a first end 431 with a center, a distalsecond end 435 with a center, a central axis 401 defined between thecenter of the first end and the center of the second end. An exteriorsurface defined between first and second ends surrounds central axis401. First end 431 is configured to receive an endcap.

Extension 460 is coupled to the prism at a base and includes a tipdistal from the base. The tip may be rounded. Extension 460 projectsfrom the exterior surface near the first end and is configured such thatduring swinging of the sporting implement with a hand of a user grippingaround the prism, the extension contacts the hand on an exterior lateralportion and upper portion of a fifth, fourth or third proximal phalanxof the hand. The hand is constrained in both transverse and longitudinalaspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the handaway from the central axis 401.

Extension 460 may be further configured such that, during swinging ofthe sporting implement with the hand gripping around the prism, theextension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of afifth metacarpal of the hand.

In an example, extension 460 curves towards the central axis 401. Inanother example, extension 460 curves from first end towards second end.In another example, extension 460, in its curvature, may sweep throughan arc of less than 90 degrees towards the second end. In a furtherexample, extension 460 sweeps through an arc of 60 degrees.

In an example, extension 460 may further include an inside surface 464facing generally towards the second end 435 and/or central axis 401. Anoutside surface 462 opposite the inside surface 464 faces generally awayfrom second end 435 and/or central axis 401. Inside surface 464 may begenerally smooth without corners or discontinuities that might causediscomfort to the hand of a user. In another example, extension 460 mayhave a concave surface 464 facing towards the central axis 401.

Pallet system 400 may be irremovably connected to the shaft duringmanufacturing, or the prism may be provided as two half shells 410 and450 configured for coupling to the shaft either by adhesives or by othermeans.

In an example, the center of curvature of extension 460 is directlyabove the connection point of extension 460 to one of the two halfshells 410 and 450. Similarly, a tangent line to extension outsidesurface 462 and perpendicular or transverse to central axis 401,intersects outside surface 462 at the connection point of extension 460to half shell 410 or half shell 450 (FIGS. 9 & 10 ).

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the example pallet system ofFIGS. 7-11 as it may be coupled with an example handle core. First 410and second 450 mating shells may include teeth 421 which engage withteeth 621 provided to an exterior surface of handle core 600 of thesporting implement. Wrapping a grip (not shown) around the first andsecond shells 410 and 450 may secure the same to the handle core of thesporting implement. The grip, may have various degrees of tackiness.

Pallet system 400 may be formed from any of a variety of rigid,lightweight materials including but not limited to polyurethane andother polymers, nylon and composite materials such as graphite sheets orgrafil.

Pallet system 400 may take any of a variety of forms suitable for usewith a sporting implement and/or handle pallets. In an example, palletsystem 400 may be shaped with eight bevels adjacent to each other. Eightelongate ridges are formed between the bevels along the length. In anexample, pallet system 400 exhibits an octagonal cross-section.

In a further example wherein pallet system 400 is used in associationwith a racket, extension 460 is centered on the second, fourth, sixth oreighth bevel with the racket blade aligned with the first and fifthbevels.

In another example wherein pallet system 400 is used in association witha racket, extension 460 is rotated from a plane of a racket blade bybetween 50 and 90 degrees around central axis 401. In a further example,extension 460 is rotated from the plane of the racket blade by about 70degrees. In another example, the degree of rotation from the plane ofthe racket blade may be varied by degree of rotation of pallet system400 relative to the handle core.

While FIGS. 7-12 reflect a plane of split 490 of half shells 410 and 450on the fourth and eighth bevels and being spaced from extension 460 byone bevel, half shells 410 and 450 may be split along any bevels withthe split being spaced from extension 460 by more or fewer bevels. In afurther example, split plane 490 may be between two edges of pallet 400.In another example, system 400 may be comprised of more than two shells.

FIGS. 1-12 illustrate non-limiting example manners of providingextensions to sporting equipment handles. The disclosure anticipatesother manners of providing extensions to handles.

In another example, a transverse handle system includes a thin-walledannulus including a bottom and a top with a height therebetween. Theannulus includes a central opening. A central axis directed through acenter of the central opening extends in a direction of the height. Atransverse extension projects from the thin-walled annulus curving fromthe bottom towards the top.

The thin-walled annulus is configured to partially encompass a handlepallet which surrounds a handle core, shaft or hairpin of the sportingimplement. The thin-walled annulus may be further configured toencompass a sporting implement handle endcap which, together with ahandle pallet, surrounds the handle core, shaft or hairpin.

The annulus may be formed from first and second mating shells which maybe semi-annular. Through-holes in each of the first and second matingshells facilitate coupling the assembled first and second mating shellsto form the annulus. Centers of the through-holes are aligned along anaxis transverse to the central axis and are configured to receive afastener for coupling the first and second mating shells around thehandle pallet. In an example, the fastener is a crossbolt or cross-pin.

Additionally/alternatively, the annulus may include a concave interiorsurface configured to engage with a convex exterior surface of thehandle pallet or an endcap. The annulus may be formed from a resilient,pliable material such that it can be slipped over the convex surface ofthe handle pallet or endcap where it will grip the same with the matingconcave surface. In an example, the resilient annulus is formed from arubber.

As with above-mentioned embodiments, the extension is contacted by thehand on an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifthmetacarpal of the hand, contacts an exterior lateral portion and upperportion of the fifth, fourth or third proximal phalanxes of the user'shand and constrains the hand in both the transverse and longitudinalaspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the handaway from the central axis. The extension may take any of a variety ofdimensions and/or shapes suitable for constraining a hand of a sportingequipment user including but not limited to those described above.

In yet another example, a sporting implement shaft with an exteriorsurface extending between first and second ends around a central axisalso includes a transversely-directed socket formed in the exteriorsurface. A transverse extension has a plug configured for receipt in thetransversely-directed socket to secure the extension to the sportingimplement shaft. One or more pallets and/or an endcap may be providedwith an opening, channel or notch to accommodate the extension. With theone or more pallets secured around the shaft, the extension projectstherethrough for contact with a user's hand. Similarly, with the endcapsecured to the one or more pallets, the extension projects therethrough.

As with above-mentioned embodiments, the extension is contacted by thehand on an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of a fifthmetacarpal of the hand, contacts an exterior lateral portion and upperportion of the fifth, fourth or third proximal phalanxes of the user'shand and constrains the hand in both the transverse and longitudinalaspects while being allowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the handaway from the central axis. The extension may take any of a variety ofdimensions and/or shapes suitable for constraining a hand of a sportingequipment user including but not limited to those described above.

In yet another example, the extension may be part of a sportingimplement formed as one piece and additionally including one or more ofa primary handle, a sporting implement shaft and a sporting implementblade.

FIG. 13 illustrates example sporting equipment 700 in use in associationwith an example extension 160 in accordance with embodiments of thedisclosure. With a hand of a user gripping around the handle pallet, anexample extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portionof a fifth metacarpal of the hand. The extension is contacted by anexterior lateral portion and upper portion of the fifth, fourth or thirdproximal phalanxes of the user's hand. The hand is constrained in boththe transverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation ofa first metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis.

FIG. 14 illustrates an additional or alternative transverse extensionfor a sporting implement 800. Extension 860 includes a branch yieldingfirst 862 and second 868 extensions relatively rotated about the centralaxis and/or around a perimeter surrounding the bottom surface. Extension860 may suitable for use in association with at least disclosed endcapsand pallets, for example, as an alternative to extension 160 orextension 460.

Embodiments of the disclosure are susceptible to being used for variouspurposes, including, though not limited to, enabling users to preventtheir hands from sliding or twisting on a racket handle while reducingthe amount of gripping force required. In addition to other sportingequipment, grip of rackets for tennis racquetball, squash badminton,pickleball and paddle as well as table tennis paddles may be improved.

Modifications to embodiments of the disclosure described in theforegoing are possible without departing from the scope of thedisclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as“including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”,“is” used to describe and claim disclosed features are intended to beconstrued in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items,components or elements not explicitly described also to be present.Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to theplural.

What is claimed is:
 1. An endcap system for a sporting implement,comprising: a rigid base portion including: a bottom surface having acentral axis normal thereto; opposite the bottom surface, a receptacleconfigured to receive a portion of the sporting implement; surroundingthe receptacle, at least one sidewall flaring towards the bottomsurface; and a rigid transverse extension projecting from the baseportion and configured such that: during swinging of the sportingimplement with a hand of a user gripping around the sporting implementportion, the extension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upperportion of a fifth proximal phalanx of the hand; and the hand isconstrained in both the transverse and longitudinal aspects while beingallowed rotation of a first metacarpal of the hand away from the centralaxis.
 2. The endcap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the extension isfurther configured such that, during swinging of the sporting implementwith the hand gripping around the handle pallet, the extension contactsan exterior lateral portion and upper portion of the fourth or thirdproximal phalanxes of the hand.
 3. The endcap as set forth in claim 1,wherein the extension curves towards the central axis.
 4. The endcap asset forth in claim 1, wherein the extension sweeps through an arc ofless than 90 degrees towards the first end.
 5. The endcap as set forthin claim 1, wherein the extension further comprises a generally smoothinside surface facing generally towards the central axis.
 6. The endcapas set forth in claim 1, wherein the extension has a concave surfacefacing towards the central axis.
 7. The endcap as set forth in claim 1,wherein the extension further comprises a branch.
 8. (canceled)
 9. Theendcap as set forth in claim 1, wherein the base is comprised of firstand second mating shells.
 10. The endcap as set forth in claim 9,further comprising a retaining clip for securing the first and secondmating shells around the handle pallet.
 11. The endcap as set forth inclaim 1, further comprising teeth provided to the receptacle andconfigured to mesh with teeth provided to an exterior surface of aportion of the sporting implement.
 12. A pallet system for a sportingimplement, comprising: a prism comprising first and second mating shellsconfigured to house and grip a handle core of the sporting implement,the prism having: configured to receive an endcap, a first end with acenter; distal from the first end, a second end having a center; acentral axis defined between the center of the first end and the centerof the second end; an exterior surface defined between first and secondends, surrounding the central axis and flaring towards the first end;and a transverse extension projecting from the exterior surface near thefirst end and configured such that: during swinging of the sportingimplement with a hand of a user gripping around the prism, the extensioncontacts the hand on an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of afifth proximal phalanx of the hand; and the hand is constrained in bothtransverse and longitudinal aspects while being allowed rotation of afirst metacarpal of the hand away from the central axis.
 13. The palletsystem as set forth in claim 12, wherein the extension is furtherconfigured such that, during swinging of the sporting implement with thehand gripping around the prism, the extension contacts an exteriorlateral portion and upper portion of a a fourth or third proximalphalanx of the hand.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The pallet system as set forthin claim 12, further comprising teeth provided to an interior surfaceopposite the exterior surface and configured to mesh with teeth providedto an exterior surface of the handle core of the sporting implement. 16.The pallet system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the extension curvestowards the central axis.
 17. The pallet system as set forth in claim12, wherein the extension further comprises a branch.
 18. The palletsystem as set forth in claim 12, wherein the extension further comprisesfirst and second extensions relatively rotated about the central axis.19. The pallet system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the extensionsweeps through an arc of less than 90 degrees towards the second end.20. The pallet system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the extensionfurther comprises a generally smooth inside surface facing generallytowards the central axis.
 21. An endcap system for a sporting implement,comprising: a base portion including: a bottom surface having a centralaxis normal thereto; opposite the bottom surface, a receptacleconfigured to receive a portion of the sporting implement; surroundingthe receptacle, at least one sidewall flaring towards the bottomsurface; projecting from the base portion, a first transverse extensionis configured such that during swinging of the sporting implement with ahand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, theextension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of afifth proximal phalanx of the hand; and projecting from the baseportion, rotated relative to the first extension about the central axisand also twisted about its own length, a second transverse extension isconfigured such that during swinging of the sporting implement with ahand of a user gripping around the sporting implement portion, theextension contacts an exterior lateral portion and upper portion of afifth metacarpal of the hand.